Improvement in ankle-supporters



J. G. PUGSLEY. Ankle-Supporter.

No. 212,261. Patented Feb. 11,1879.

WITNESSES INVBNTOR ywflz BY ATTORNEYS.

N.PETE.R5, PHOTO-LITHOGRAPHER, WASHINGTON, D. 0

UNITED STATES PATENT OEEIcE.

JOHN G. PUGSLEY, OF BROOKLYN, E. D., NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO HIMSELF AND JOHN ENNIS, OF SAME PLACE.

IMPROVEMENT lN ANKLE-SUPPORTERS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 212,261, dated February 11, 1879; application filed December 27, 1878.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN G. PUGSLEY, of Brooklyn, E. D., in the county of Kings and State of New York, have invented a new and Improved Ankle-Supporter, of which the following is a specification:

Figure 1 is a view of the supporter in perspective. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the supporter in position on a foot.

Similar letters of reference indicate correspondin g parts.

This invention has for its object the manufacture of a simple and effective support for weak ankles.

The supporter is constructed of leather, felt, cloth, or other suitable material, as the requirements for stiffness or elasticity may demand. It may be made of one or more pieces, and be molded or otherwise worked into a shape conforming with and to fit close to the foot at and about the ankle.

It is intended to be worn within the shoe or boot, and inside or outside the stocking, at pleasure.

It will be seen, on reference to the drawing, that A, the under side or sole of the supporter, extends from the rear of the heel to the hollow of the foot, and that B B, the side or ankle pieces, extend upward, inclosing and embracing the ankle and heel.

It will be observed, too, that just above the heel the continuity of the supporter is broken by a vertical out or opening, 0, that divides it above that point into two side pieces or flaps. The object of this opening or separation is to give more elasticity tothe supporter, and more freedom to the movement of the foot by avoiding contact with the calf of the leg. The supporter is entirely open in front,

over and about the instep, so that the upward and downward motion of the foot shall not be restrained.

I am aware that other designs for anklesupporters have been patented which, it is claimed, are well calculated to accomplish the object in View, and my attention has been especially directed to the ankle-supporter and filler patented by Samuel Silberschmidt, October 7, 1873 5' but it will be seen, on reference to said patent, that, though the device is called. an ankle-supporter, its functions are entirely different. It will be obvious that it is of value only as a pad or filler for the calf of the leg, and that, as it is made only to extend at its rear or back end nearly to the heel of the wearer, and as its front piece, as shown, can only extend to the bend of the instep, it cannot afford support to the ankle.

It is also evident from the drawings attached to Silberschmidts patent that were both back and front pieces of his filler extended still farther downward, the ankle of the wearer would be at the opening between the two pieces, and hence would receive no support therefrom.

I do not claim a calf pad or filler; but,

Having thus fully described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent- An improved ankle-supporter, consisting of the sole portion A, the sides B B, having a vertical cut or opening at the rear, and entirely open in front, all constructed substantially as shown and described.

JOHN G. PUGSLEY. Witnesses:

O. SEDewIcK, L. L. SToVER. 

